Storm Water Runoff is water from rain or melting
snow that does not soak into the ground, but runs off impervious surfaces, such
as roofs, driveways and parking lots, into drainage ditches and/or catch basins
that transport the runoff into nearby waterways.

2.How are we
affected by Polluted Storm Water Runoff?

Polluted runoff, containing oil and grease from leaking
automobiles, sediment from construction activities, and the careless
application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers affects habitats of fish
and plant life. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen promote the
overgrowth of algae, and deplete oxygen in the waterway. Bacteria from animal
wastes and failing sewerage systems make lakes and beaches unsafe for swimming
and the propagation of edible shellfish. Excessive runoff promotes flooding and
the destruction of property.

3.Storm Water Committees

The he town is in the process of establishing aStormwater SteeringCommitteeand aStormwater Citizen Advisory Panel

The Stormwater
SteeringCommitteewill be comprised of supervisory personnel from town
departments, as well as elected and appointed officials from Philipstown, Cold Spring and Nelsonville. The primary function
of this group will be to closely monitor the stormwater management program
adopted by the town and to ensure that the program complies with the intent of
NYSDEC permit for stormwater discharges from the town.

The Stormwater Citizen Advisory Panelwill consist of citizens from Philipstown, Cold Spring,
Nelsonville, North Highlands, Continental Village, Garrison and other locales within
the town. The panel will be primarily responsible for providing stormwater information
through meetings and workshops and for receiving feedback from the community on
the progress of the program. In addition the panel will also be in charge of organizing local volunteer monitor groups,
responsible for identifying potential sources of pollution along the Hudson
River, town streams and other water courses and drainage channels in the town.

4.How Can You
Help?

On July 20, 2005, the Town posted a notice in the
Putnam County News and Recorder, soliciting the support of the Community on the
Stormwater SteeringCommittee and the Stormwater
Citizen Advisory Panel. To date the Town
has only received one (1) response for each of these Committees. You
can help by serving on one of these committees.